Lagatar24 Desk
Bhubaneswar: In a significant development from Odisha’s Malkangiri district, 22 Maoists surrendered collectively before the police on Tuesday, marking the first major surrender of insurgents in the state this year.
High-Profile Maoists Lay Down Arms
According to official sources, the surrendered cadres included one divisional committee member, six area committee members (ACMs), and 15 party members. All of them had cash rewards announced on their heads, ranging from ₹5.5 lakh to as high as ₹27.5 lakh, reflecting their seniority and involvement in Maoist activities.
Rehabilitation And Mainstreaming Efforts
District administration officials said the surrendered Maoists will be provided financial assistance under the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. Efforts will be made to reintegrate them into mainstream society through livelihood support and welfare schemes.
Malkangiri Among Maoist-Affected Regions
Malkangiri is one of the districts in Odisha affected by Maoist presence, along with Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, Balangir, Koraput, and Boudh. Several of these districts share borders with Chhattisgarh, making them vulnerable to left-wing extremism.
Part Of A Broader Trend In 2025
Officials noted that similar large-scale surrenders of Maoist cadres have been reported in multiple states this year, indicating sustained pressure from security forces and effective surrender policies.
